Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what is the best substrate that a hatchling box turtle needs? i have been soaking him/her daily and have provided a plastic sweater-type box with shredded newspaper for substrate since friday, 4/16. please advise on any other essential items for the optimum care of this hatchling. thanks!
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"If we are good only because we fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
-Albert Einstein

I use peat moss, have chunks of tree bark to make caves out of, and last fall's dead leaves. I find that the peat moss, although difficult to thoroughly wet initially, retains moisture pretty well, and closely approximates leaf mould (in texture) which my Easterns would be likely to encounter in the wild.
Stephanie

I'm really new to this, but I use a six inch thick layer of coconut husk matter over a thin layer of orchid bark. At one end of their terrarium are two bark tunnels. At the other end I have two flat rocks under the UV lamp. Lighting the entire enclosure is a UV fluorescent lamp. The babies usually bury themselves no matter what the humidity, and in this substrate they can disappear fast.

Cynthia

i currently have indoor/outdoor carpet (astroturf) on a 1" bed of sand topped with 1" of leaf litter. a stick (log) and some artificial ivy pieces to provide cover as well. should this suffice?
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"If we are good only because we fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
-Albert Einstein

I would say that you should consider changing what you have, for a couple of different reasons: neither the astro turf or the sand will retain moisture well at all, and since your little guys require a humid environment, thats not good. Another thing to consider is that the hatchlings will want to, and should be able to, burrow and hide alot.
I have heard of folks using Bed-a-Beast, sphagnum moss, peat moss, dirt from their yard combined with any of those, top soil or potting soil, or if you know someone with a wooded lot, go for the real thing and get yourself some leaf mould. Whatever you change to, haveing it about 3 inches deep is a good idea
Sand may be abrasive enough to scratch their little shells, too.
Sphagnum or peat moss can be purchased at any store that has gardening supplies, by the way, and is inexpensive and can be purchased in small quantities: just make sure that any pre-packaged soil or soil amendment you choose does NOT contain any added fertilizers or chemicals.
Stephanie

thanks...i will change it today.
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"If we are good only because we fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
-Albert Einstein